TotalFill BC Sealer Research Articles

Evaluation of Physicochemical Properties of a New Calcium Silicate–based Sealer, Bio-C Sealer

IntroductionCalcium silicate–based materials have been proposed as root canal sealers for root canal treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical properties of a new calcium silicate–based sealer (Bio-C Sealer; Angelus, PR, Brazil) compared with a calcium silicate endodontic sealer (TotalFill BC Sealer; FKG Dentaire SA, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland) and an epoxy resin sealer (AH Plus; Dentsply DeTrey, Konstanz, Germany). MethodsThe setting time and flow were evaluated based on ISO 6876 standard. The pH value was evaluated after different time intervals of storage in deionized water (1, 7, 14, and 21 days). Radiopacity was evaluated by radiographic analysis in millimeters of aluminum. Solubility and volumetric change were evaluated after 30 days of immersion in distilled water. Solubility was assessed by mass loss (%), and volumetric change was evaluated by micro–computed tomographic imaging. The data were submitted to analysis of variance and Tukey statistical tests (P < .05). ResultsTotalFill BC Sealer and Bio-C Sealer were similar regarding radiopacity, volumetric change, and pH values (P > .05). Bio-C Sealer presented the shortest setting time and the highest flow and solubility (P < .05). AH Plus showed the highest radiopacity and the lowest flow, pH, solubility, and volumetric change (P < .05). ConclusionsBio-C Sealer showed a short setting time, alkalinization ability, and adequate flow and radiopacity as well as low volumetric change. However, this sealer had higher solubility than the rates required by ISO 6876 standard.

The effect of obturation techniques on the push-out bond strength of a premixed bioceramic root canal sealer

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of obturation techniques on the push-out bond strength of a premixed bioceramic (TotalFill BC) root canal sealer to root canal dentin surface. MethodsThe palatal root canal of sixty extracted human maxillary first premolar were prepared with Mtwo rotary system, teeth were divided into two groups; according to the sealer to be obturated with; TotalFill BC sealer and AH Plus sealer. Each group was then divided into three subgroups (n = 10) according to the obturation technique; cold lateral compaction, single cone, and warm vertical compaction. After obturation teeth were stored in an incubator for two weeks. Three slices of 1.5 mm thickness were then obtained from each root. Bond strength of obturation materials to root dentine was measured using push-out test by universal testing machine. Data were analyzed using ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test. Mode of failure was determined by optical microscope examination. ResultsOverall, the push-out bond strength of TotalFill BC sealer was significantly higher than that of AH Plus sealer (P < 0.001). The obturation technique had no significant effect on the bond strength of TotalFill. While the bond strength of AH Plus was significantly affected, warm vertical compaction and single cone groups displayed lower bond strength than cold lateral compaction group (P < 0.05). Mixed mode of failure was most predominant in all groups. ConclusionsTotalFill BC sealer showed a higher push-out bond strength than AH Plus sealer, and the obturation technique significantly affected AH Plus sealer but not the TotalFill. Clinical SignificanceWarm vertical compaction significantly reduced the bond strength of the resin based AH Plus sealer compared to cold lateral compaction, but this was not significant with the bioceramic TotalFill BC sealer. Single cone technique could be used with bioceramic sealer which make the obturation faster and easier.

SEM and EDS study of TotalFill BC Sealer and GuttaFlow Bioseal root canal sealers.

Recently, a new generation of calcium silicate-based root canal sealers has been developed. These new types of sealers have the ability to set in wet environment, have high alkalinity and present potential antimicrobial activity. The aim of this study was to determine the chemical composition and microstructure of 2 novel calcium silicate-containing root canal sealers - TotalFill® BC Sealer and GuttaFlow® Bioseal. The tested sealers were prepared according to the manufacturers' instructions. Sixteen cylindrical dishes (inner diameter: 4 mm; height: 3 mm) were placed on a glass Petri dish and packed with the materials. The Petri dish was transferred to an incubator. After the sealers set, excess material was removed with diamond discs and polishing paste. The materials were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) X‑ray microanalysis. Both TotalFill BC Sealer and GuttaFlow Bioseal contained calcium, zirconium, oxygen, carbon, silicon, and a trace of sodium. In the case of TotalFill BC Sealer, trace amounts of copper and technetium were also present, and for GuttaFlow Bioseal, iron, zinc, and a trace of magnesium and hafnium were noted. No bismuth was found. Both of the assessed sealers contained fine particles embedded in the matrix; however, GuttaFlow Bioseal also had larger particles with a diameter of 2-10 μm. TotalFill BC Sealer represents a higher degree of purity in comparison with GuttaFlow Bioseal. The clinical implications of heavy metals present in GuttaFlow Bioseal need to be investigated. Both materials have a fine particle structure, which is desirable for root canal sealers.

Assessment of Two Root Canal Sealers Push-out Bond Strength in Root Canals Obturated Using Two Different Obturation Techniques

Background: The aim was to compare the push-out bond strength of calcium silicate-based sealer Total Fill BC Sealer with an epoxy resin-based sealer Adseal used in cold lateral and single cone obturation techniques. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight single-rooted teeth with completely formed apices were selected. Teeth were decoronated, and working length was determined. Instrumentation and irrigation were performed. The teeth were equally and randomly divided into four groups (n=12) according to the obturation technique and the root canal sealer used as follow; Group I: Root canals were obturated using gutta percha & Totalfill bioceramic sealer by using single cone technique single cone technique, Group II: Root canals were obturated using gutta percha lateral condensation technique & Totalfill bioceramic sealer, Group III: Root canals were obturated using gutta percha & Adseal sealer by using single cone technique, and Group IV: Root canals were obturated using gutta percha & Adseal sealer by using lateral condensation technique. Manipulation and application of the sealer was done according the manufacturer instructions. All teeth were stored in an incubator at 37 °C and 100% humidity for 1 week to allow complete setting of the root canal sealers. Each root was prepared for push-out test using universal testing machine with root slices of 2 mm thickness were obtained at 3, 7, 11 mm from apex representing (apical, middle, and coronal) respectively, and the push-out bond strength was calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey post hoc t-test was used to compare between more than two groups in non-related samples. Results: The highest bond strength was found in Group II (Totalfill & cold lateral obturation technique) (P < 0.05) compared to other groups. The lowest bond strength was found in Group III (Adseal & single cone obturation technique). Conclusion: The push-out bond strength of Totalfill & Adseal root canal sealers with cold lateral obturation technique were highest followed by Totalfill& single cone technique and lowest bond strength was observed in Adseal & single cone on obturation technique. Higher push out bond strength values recorded in apical and middle thirds than coronal third.

Comparison of the antibacterial activity of calcium silicate- and epoxy resin-based endodontic sealers against Enterococcus faecalis biofilms: a confocal laser-scanning microscopy analysis.

This study assessed the antibacterial activity of BioRoot RCS in comparison with that of the Totalfill BC and AH Plus sealers against Enterococcus faecalis biofilms in dentinal tubules using confocal laser-scanning microscopy. Sixty-six root dentin halves were prepared and sterilized. Three sections were used to ensure sterilization. The remaining were inoculated with E. faecalis. Three specimens were examined to verify the viability of biofilms. The sixty specimens were randomly divided into four groups: AH Plus, BioRoot RCS, Totalfill BC sealer, and no sealer. The specimens were incubated for 1, 7, and 30days. The specimens were stained and four corners of each disc were scanned. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test. Almost half of the bacteria were dead in BioRoot RCS group on day 1 and in Totalfill BC group on day 7. All sealers killed significantly more bacteria than the control after 30 days (P < .05). On day 7, Totalfill BC showed a significantly higher percentage of dead bacteria than BioRoot RCS (P < .05). On day 30, the BioRoot RCS group registered the highest percentage of dead cells (61.75%), which was significantly higher than the percentages of the AH Plus and Totalfill BC groups (P < .05). Calcium silicate-based root canal sealers exerted antimicrobial effects against E. faecalis biofilms. The antibacterial activity of BioRoot RCS was significantly higher than that of the Totalfill BC and AH Plus sealers after 30 days of exposure.

Bovine teeth can reliably substitute human dentine in an intra-tooth push-out bond strength model?

To investigate the reliability of using bovine teeth as an alternative to human teeth in an intra-tooth push-out model by comparing the bond strength of three root canal sealers in both tooth substrates. From human and bovine incisors (12 per group), one 1-mm disc was obtained from each root. On each disc, three standard 0.8-mm-diameter holes were drilled through the dentine. After irrigation, the holes were filled with one of three root canal sealers: AH Plus, MTA Fillapex or Total Fill BC Sealer. Tooth slices were kept in contact with sterile gauze moistened in PBS solution (pH=7.2) for 7days at 37°C, and finally, a push-out load was applied until sealer dislocation. The bonded interface area was calculated to obtain data in MPa. The push-out data for each sealer and the overall push-out data for human and bovine teeth were compared (Mann-Whitney U). Kruskal-Wallis was used to study the sealers behaviour at each of the dental substrates. Multiple comparisons were performed using Mann-Whitney U after Bonferroni correction (P<0.05). Dentine substrate did not influence the push-out of either individual sealers or overall sealers tested (Mann-Whitney U, P>0.05). In both human and bovine samples, AH Plus performed better than BC Sealer and MTA Fillapex, whilst BC Sealer also provided a superior push-out compared to MTA Fillapex (Mann-Whitney U, P<0.05). When using an intra-tooth model, bovine teeth did not significantly influence the bond strength of sealers.

Cytocompatibility, bioactive potential and antimicrobial activity of an experimental calcium silicate-based endodontic sealer.

To evaluate the cytocompatibility, bioactive potential, antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of an experimental calcium silicate-based endodontic sealer, in comparison with TotalFill BC Sealer and AH Plus. Cytocompatibility was assessed by methyltetrazolium (MTT) and neutral red (NR) assays, after exposure of the Saos-2 cells to the sealer extracts (1:2, 1:4, 1:8, 1:16 and 1:32 dilutions) for 24h. The sealers were manipulated and placed in 12-well culture plates and exposed to ultraviolet light; then, 5mL of DMEM without serum was added. Cell bioactivity was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) and Alizarin red staining (ARS). Antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities were evaluated by direct contact test (DCT) on planktonic cells (DCTPC) and modified DCT on biofilm formed in bovine dentine blocks (MDCT). MTT, NR and ALP data were analysed by two-way anova and Bonferroni tests; ARS data by anova and Tukey's tests; and the microbiological data by Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests (α=0.05). The experimental sealer, TotalFill BC and AH Plus were not cytotoxic to Saos-2, in comparison with the negative control (P>0.05). Greater ALP was observed after 7days of exposure of Saos-2 to AH Plus and the experimental sealer (P<0.05) when compared to the control. Significantly greater mineralized nodule production was observed for TotalFill BC and the experimental sealer (P<0.05). In DCTPC, the experimental sealer and TotalFill BC were associated with a significantly greater reduction of E.faecalis (P<0.05) and eliminated C.albicans. In MDCT, the experimental sealer and TotalFill BC had significantly greater antibiofilm efficacy (P<0.05). The experimental calcium silicate-based sealer was cytocompatible, bioactive, antimicrobial against E.faecalis and C.albicans and effective against E.faecalis biofilms, with potential for use in root canal treatment.

Removal ability of MTA-, bioceramic-, and resin-based sealers from obturated root canals, following XP-endo® Finisher R file: An ex vivo study

Aim: Removability assessment of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA)-, bioceramic-, and epoxy resin-based sealers, with or without XP-endo® Finisher R file, was achieved. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty extracted single-rooted premolars were randomly organized into three equal groups, instrumented up to #40.04 and obturated with single-cone technique by gutta-percha and one of the following sealers: MTA Fillapex, TotalFill BC Sealer, or AH Plus. Following setting of the sealer, D-RaCe instruments were used in retreating all specimens. In half of the specimens, XP-endo® Finisher R file was additionally applied following D-RaCe, as a final step in retreatment. Working length (WL) following the procedure and patency were recorded. All specimens were split and observed for residuals under optical microscopy. Images were acquired, placed adjacent to each other forming continuous strips, and focus stacked with Helicon Focus software. A blinded observer evaluated all photographs. Analysis included Chi-square tests and one-way ANOVA. Results: WL was fully regained in all cases. Patency regaining (in terms of canal cleanness) was easier in AH Plus groups. Residuals were significantly more in TotalFill groups (P Conclusions: TotalFill residuals were harder to remove than those from MTA Fillapex or AH Plus groups. Patency is also harder to regain. XP-endo® Finisher R file had a positive removal influence only in the AH Plus subgroup.

In Vitro Assessment of Apical Leakage of Bioceramic Endodontic Sealer with Two Obturation Techniques

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the apical sealing ability of Total Fill BC sealer and AH Plus sealer with single cone and continuous wave condensation obturation techniques using dye extraction leakage method. Materials and Methods: Eighty-four extracted human single-rooted teeth with round canals were decoronated at 12 mm length and instrumented using crown down technique with the iRace rotary file system to apical file size 40 with 0.04 taper. The roots were randomly divided into four experimental groups (n=20). Group (A1) contained roots which were obturated with Total Fill BC sealer with a single cone. Group (A2) contained roots which were obturated using Total Fill BC sealer with continuous wave condensation. Group (B1) contained roots which were obturated using epoxy resin sealer (AH Plus) with a single cone. Group (B2) contained roots which were obturated using AH Plus sealer with continuous wave condensation. Apical microleakage was assessed with dye extraction method where the absorbance of leaked 1% methylene blue dye was measured using a spectrophotometer. The absorbance values were converted into concentrations, and the data was analyzed using One way ANOVA test. Results: The mean dye concentration values were 0.012, 0.016, 0.011 and 0.015 for Group A1, Group A2, Group B1 and Group B2, respectively. One-way ANOVA indicated no significant difference in dye leakage between the investigated groups (F = 0.938). Conclusion: With the limitation of the study, it was concluded that Total Fill BC was equivalent to AH Plus in apical sealing ability when using single cone or continuous wave condensation. The single cone can provide a similar apical seal of canal filling as can be achieved by using continuous wave condensation methods, in the round canal.

Właściwości alkalizujące wybranych krzemianowo-wapniowych uszczelniaczy kanałowych. Badanie in vitro

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The aim of this in vitro study was to assess the pH values of selected calcium-silicate root canal sealers in comparison with AH Plus resin-based root canal sealer.Materials and methods: Six root canal sealers were included in this study: BioRoot RCS (Septodont, France), GuttaFlow bioseal (Coltėne/Whaledent, Switzerland), MTA Fillapex (Angelus, Brazil), Total Fill BC Sealer (FKG, Switzerland), Well-Root ST (Vericom, Korea) and AH Plus (Dentsply, DeTrey, Germany). Materials samples (n = 6) were placed in dishes and immersed in 10 mL of distilled water (pH = 6.8). After 1, 3, 24, 48, 72, 168, 336 and 504 hrs, water pH was determined with a pH meter calibrated with a solution of known pH. Data were statistically analyzed using Student-t test (p &lt; 0.05).Results: There were differences in the water pH between the materials tested. The highest water pHs were exhibited by Total Fill BC Sealer, Well-Root ST and BioRoot RCS (pH ~12), followed by GuttaFlow bioseal (pH ~10.5) and MTA Fillapex (pH ~9). The lowest pH was shown by AH Plus (pH ~8).Conclusions: All calcium-silicate root canal sealers studied are able to elevate the pH level, which could have biological and antimicrobial effects. The AH Plus root canal sealer has poor alkalizing properties.

The push-out bond strength of calcium silicate-based endodontic sealers

BackgroundThe aim was to compare the dislodgement resistance of calcium silicate-based sealers (Total Fill BC Sealer, Endo CPM Sealer, BioRoot RCS) with an epoxy resin-based sealer (AH Plus).MethodsThe root canals of 80 single-rooted human teeth were instrumented with F360 up to size 45.04. All canals were obturated using matching gutta-percha cones according to the single-cone technique in combination with one of the mentioned sealers (n = 20 per group). After eight weeks of incubation (37 °C, 100% humidity), the roots were embedded in resin. Starting with a distance of 7 mm from the apex, four slices of 1 mm thickness were cut. Dislodgement resistance was measured using a universal testing machine and the push-out bond strength was calculated. Specimens were examined under 4×-magnification to determine the mode of bond failure. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls-test.ResultsRegarding the pooled data of all sections, the push-out bond strength of AH Plus was significantly higher than the push-out bond strength of all calcium silicate-containing sealers (P < 0.05). Out of all calcium silicate-based sealers, Total Fill BC Sealer showed the highest push-out bond strength (P < 0.05). BioRoot RCS had significant higher push-out bond strength than Endo CPM Sealer (P < 0.05). Nearly the same results were found for all four sections. BioRoot RCS only differed significantly from Endo CPM Sealer in the third section (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe push-out bond strength of the investigated calcium silicate-based sealers was lower than of AH Plus. Total Fill BC showed the highest push-out bond strength of the calcium silicate-based sealers.

Properties of calcium silicate-monobasic calcium phosphate materials for endodontics containing tantalum pentoxide and zirconium oxide.

The aim of the study was to evaluate chemical-physical properties and apatite-forming ability of three premixed calcium silicate materials containing monobasic calcium phosphate (CaH4P2O8) bioceramic, tantalum pentoxide and zirconium oxide, recently marketed for endodontics (TotalFill BC-Sealer, BC-RRM-Paste, BC-RRM-Putty). Microchemical and micromorphological analyses, radiopacity, initial and final setting times, calcium release and alkalising activity were tested. The nucleation of calcium phosphates (CaPs) and/or apatite after 28days ageing was evaluated by ESEM-EDX and micro-Raman spectroscopy. BC-Sealer and BC-RRM-Paste showed similar initial (23h), prolonged final (52h) setting times and good radiopacity (> 7mm Al); BC-RRM-Putty showed fast initial (2h) and final setting times (27h) and excellent radiopacity (> 9mm Al). All materials induced a marked alkalisation (pH11-12) up to 28days and showed the release of calcium ions throughout the entire test period (cumulative calcium release 641-806ppm). After 28days ageing, a well-distributed mineral layer was present on all samples surface; EDX demonstrated relevant calcium and phosphorous peaks. B-type carbonated apatite and calcite deposits were identified by micro-Raman spectroscopy on all the 28-day-aged samples; the deposit thickness was higher on BC-RRM-Paste and BC-RRM-Putty, in agreement with calcium release data. These materials met the required chemical and physical standards and released biologically relevant ions. The CaSi-CaH4P2O8 system present in the materials provided Ca and OH ions release with marked abilities to nucleate a layer of B-type carbonated apatite favoured/accelerated by the bioceramic presence. The ability to nucleate apatite may lead many clinical advantages: In orthograde endodontics, it may improve the sealing ability by the deposition of CaPs at the material-root dentine interface, and in endodontic surgery, it could promote bone and periodontal tissue regeneration. As premixed materials, their application in endodontics may result easier in several complex endodontic situations (apicoectomy, root perforation, presence of wide/wet apices).

Biological and physico-chemical properties of new root canal sealers.

BackgroundThe purpose of the present study was to compare the biological and the physico-chemical properties of bioceramic-based root canal sealers, calcium hydroxide-based, MTA-based and epoxy resin-based root canal sealers.Material and MethodsTwo bioceramic-based sealers, one calcium hydroxide-based sealer, one MTA-based sealer and two epoxy resin-based sealers were tested.ResultsEasySeal and MTA Fillapex showed severe citotoxic activity, AH Plus and SealapexTM moderate cytotoxicity, BioRoot™ RCS and TotalFill BC Sealer were both cytocompatible. Except for TotalFill BC Sealer, all root canal sealers caused inhibition zones when tested with E. faecalis. The highest inhibition zone was observed for EasySeal, followed by AH Plus. BioRoot™ RCS, SealapexTM and MTA Fillapex showed the lowest inhibition zone. All the tested materials showed different degree of antibacterial activity by using direct contact test (DCT). The highest values were observed for BioRoot™ RCS, TotalFill BC Sealer and EasySeal, followed by MTA Fillapex and SealapexTM. Except for BioRoot RCS and TotalFill BC Sealer, all the root canal sealers fulfilled the requirements of the ISO 6876 standard, demonstrating a weight loss less than 3%. Bioroot RCS, TotalFill BC Sealer and SealapexTM exhibited high alkaline pH with an increase both for BioRoot™ RCS and TotalFill BC Sealer after 24 hours.ConclusionsThe new bioceramic-based sealers showed acceptable physico-chemical properties, but BioRoot™ RCS and TotalFill BC Sealer seems to be too soluble, not respecting ISO 6876 requirements. Key words:Antibacterial activity, cytoxicity, pH, root canal sealers, solubility.

Antibacterial Activity of Endodontic Sealers against Planktonic Bacteria and Bacteria in Biofilms

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial activity of 4 endodontic sealers against bacteria planktonic grown or in biofilms commonly detected from persistent and secondary endodontic infections. MethodsThe antibacterial activity of the sealers AH Plus, TotalFill BC sealer, RoekoSeal, and Guttaflow 2 was investigated for planktonic grown and 24-hour-old biofilms of Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus mutans. ResultsAH Plus had high antibacterial activity toward all species investigated, both planktonic and in biofilms. However, the antibacterial activity was lost after 24 hours. TotalFill BC sealer showed marked antibacterial effect on planktonic bacteria up to 7 days after setting. TotalFill BC sealer had lower antibacterial activity against biofilms of S. aureus and E. faecalis compared with AH Plus when direct contact between the sealer and biofilm was investigated and for all species investigated when a membrane was used to separate the biofilm and sealer. Guttaflow 2 and RoekoSeal had no antibacterial activity against planktonic bacteria or bacteria in biofilms. ConclusionsBacteria in biofilms showed higher susceptibility for AH Plus compared with TotalFill BC sealer during the first 24 hours after setting. Investigating the antibacterial activity of endodontic sealers and materials against bacteria in biofilms is highly important to evaluate the materials' ability to eradicate bacteria from the infected root canal.

Physicochemical Properties and Volumetric Change of Silicone/Bioactive Glass and Calcium Silicate–based Endodontic Sealers

IntroductionThis study evaluated setting time (ST), radiopacity, pH, flow, solubility, and volumetric change (VC) of a silicone, gutta-percha, and bioactive glass–based sealer, GuttaFlow Bioseal (GFB), and a calcium silicate–based sealer, TotalFill BC Sealer (TFBC), in comparison with AH Plus. MethodsST and flow were evaluated in accordance with the ISO 6876 Standard. pH was evaluated after different time intervals (1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days). Radiopacity was evaluated by radiographic analysis in millimeters of aluminum. Solubility was evaluated by means of mass loss (%) after 7 and 30 days of immersion in distilled water. VC was evaluated by micro-computed tomography, by using cavities 3 mm deep and 1 mm in diameter in acrylic resin, filled with the materials. The materials were evaluated after setting and after 7 and 30 days of immersion in distilled water. The data were submitted to analysis of variance and Tukey statistical tests (P < .05). ResultsTFBC demonstrated the highest pH and solubility. GFB had the shortest ST, and lowest radiopacity and flow values. VC was similar for the sealers in both time intervals. ConclusionsTFBC presented the highest pH and solubility, but showed similar VC to GFB and AH Plus. GFB showed proper physicochemical properties. Micro-computed tomography complements the physicochemical analysis of endodontic sealers.

A Comparative Study of the Antibacterial Efficacy of two Natural Irrigating Solutions with Two Different Root Canal Sealers on E-feacalis

This study aimed to: evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of two natural irrigating solutions(Green Tea, and Propolis) with two different root canal sealers (AH Plus sealer,and Total Fill BC Sealer) against E. faecalis. Methods: One hundred single rootedteeth were selected. All root canals were prepared manually to #50 file. Finally theteeth were sterilized by gamma rays. Each root canal was inoculated with 0.5 ml of E.faecalis. Specimens were divided randomly into two main groups (50 specimens each)according to the irrigating solution; A1 (Green Tea), and A2 (Propolis). Each maingroup was divided into two subgroups with (25 specimens each) according to the typeof sealer used B1 (AH Plus sealer), and B2 (TotalFill BC Sealer). The bacterial samplingcounting process was done three times throughout the study. Five specimens fromeach subgroup were examined by SEM for presence or absence of E. faecalis. Results:The highest mean value of bacterial count was found in (Green tea) (6.50x10x10 ±1.29x10x10) while the least mean value of bacterial count was found in (Propolis) (withless antibacterial effect 2x10x10 ± 1.33x10x10) with higher antibacterial effect. Thehighest mean value of bacterial count was found in (AH Plus Sealer) (5.40x10x10 ±2.44x10x10) with less antibacterial effect while the least mean value of bacterial countwas found in (TotalFill BC Sealer) (3.10x10x10 ± 1.54 x10x10) with higher antibacterialeffect. Conclusions: Propolis is an effective intracanal irrigant in eradicating E.faecalis. On other hand TotalFill BC Sealer is more effective in reducing E. faecalis.

In Vitro the Effect of Canals Instrumented with Three Rotary Ni-Ti Systems on the Dislocation Resistanceo Guttafusion ® versus Single Cone Obturation Technique

Background: Complete seal of the root canal system following its chemo-mechanical debridement plays a pivotal role for achieving successful endodontic treatment. This can be established by reducing the gaps between the core filling material and root canal wall. Aim: To assess and compare the dislocation resistance of root canals obturated with GuttaFusion® and TotalFill BC sealer versus single cone obturation technique and TotalFill BC sealer after instrumentation of the canals with WaveOne, ProTaper Next and ProTaper Universal system. Material and Method: Sixty extracted human permanent mandibular premolars were conducted in the current study. The teeth were decorated and left the root with 15mm length; the roots were divided randomly into three main groups, twenty roots in each group. The roots were instrumented with different rotary systems using crown down technique according to the groups: (Group I) was instrumented with WaveOne files. (Group II) was instrumented with ProTaper Next system and (Group III) was instrumented with ProTaper Universal system. For each group the same irrigation regimen was used, 3 mL of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite and 3 mL of 17% EDTA to remove the smear layer. Then, Group I was also subdivided randomly into two subgroups of ten samples each, (Group I A) obturated with single cone gutta-percha and (Group I B) filled with GuttaFusion®. Group II was divided into (Group II A) obturated with single cone gutta-percha and (Group II B) filled with GuttaFusion®. Group III was divided into (Group III A) obturated with single cone gutta-percha and (Group III B) obturated with GuttaFusion®. In the present study, TotalFill BC sealer was used for all the tested groups. Then, the roots were embedded in clear acrylic resin and each root sectioned into three sections of 2mm thick (apical, middle and coronal). The push-out bond strength values represented by (MPa) unit was calculated by dividing the load on the surface area and the last was measured in collaboration with AutoCAD system software program. Failure mode analysis was carried out to examine the type of failure in each sample by using a stereomicroscope. Results: The results showed highly significant differences among the main groups that instrumented with different rotary systems (WaveOne, ProTaper Next and ProTaper Universal system). There were highly significant differences between the two obturation techniques of the subgroups (single cone gutta-percha versus GuttaFusion®). However; Gutta-Fusion® showed highest bond strength value than single cone obturation technique. The coronal third slices of all groups showed highest value of bond strength in comparison to the middle thirds and apical thirds. In the meantime, the middle third slices showed bond strength higher than that of the apical thirds for all groups. Statistical analysis was performed by using two way ANOVA and LSD tests. Conclusions: The instrumentation techniques and the obturation materials significantly affected the push-out bond strength values of obturation system. The highest value was appointed in root canals instrumented with ProTaper Universal System; obturated with GuttaFusion® and BC sealer, whereas, the lowest bond strength was appeared at canals instrumented with ProTaper Next; obturated with single cone gutta-percha and BC sealer.

Solubility and pH of bioceramic root canal sealers: A comparative study.

BackgroundThis study compared the solubility and the pH of different root canal sealers in vitro.Material and MethodsBioRoot™RCS, TotalFill BC Sealer, MTA Fillapex, SealapexTM, AH Plus, EasySeal, Pulp Canal Sealer™ and N2 were tested. Similar specimens were prepared using ring molds with an internal diameter of 20 ± 0,1 mm and a height of 1,5 ± 0,1 mm and digitally weighted to register the mass of each specimen before and after immersion in distilled water. Solubility was determined after 24 hours and statistically analysed using a one-way ANOVA test and post-hoc Tukey test. The pH value was measured by a digital pH meter after 3 and 24 hours from manipulation.ResultsBioRoot™RCS and TotalFill BC Sealer showed significantly higher solubility (P<0.05). All the remnant root canal sealers fulfilled the requirements of solubility of the International Standard Organization 6876 demonstrating a weight loss of less than 3%. BioRoot™RCS and Totalfill BC Sealer exhibited high alkaline pH over time (P<0.05); the alkalinity of the other tested cements was significantly lower.ConclusionsThe prolonged alkalinity of bioceramic sealer matched the increase in solubility. This may encourage their biological and antimicrobial effects, but the ongoing solubility may impact their ability to prevent apical leakage. Key words:pH, root canal sealers, solubility.

Comparative cytotoxicity evaluation of eight root canal sealers.

BackgroundThe aim of the present study is to evaluate and compare the cytotoxic effects of eight root canal sealers (BioRoot RCS, TotalFill BC Sealer, MTA Fillapex, Sealapex, AH Plus, EasySeal, Pulp Canal Sealer, N2) on immortalized human gingival fibroblasts over a period of 24, 48 and 72 hours.Material and MethodsImmortalized human gingival fibroblast-1 HGF-1 (ATCC CRL-2014) were incubated. Root canal sealers were then placed into sterile, cylindrical Teflon moulds. The extraction was made eluting the sealers in cell culture medium. Cells (1 × 104) were seeded in each well of a 96-well plate and incubated for 24 h at 37°C. Cultures were then exposed to 100 μL of the extracts medium. The percentage of viable cells in each well was calculated relative to control cells set to 100%.ResultsBioRoot RCS and TotalFill BC Sealer extracted for 24h showed no cytotoxic effect, while it was mild by using 48 and 72 h extracts. No cytotoxic effect was measured by using AH Plus medium eluted for 24 h, while it was moderate after 48 h and severe after 72 h. Pulp Canal Sealer, Sealapex and N2 showed moderately cytotoxic activity for all the extraction times. EasySeal and MTA Fillapex remained severely or borderline mildly cytotoxic for all the extraction times.ConclusionsIn the present study only BioRoot RCS, TotalFill BC Sealer and AH Plus showed no cytotoxic effects at least in the first 24h. All the other sealers revealed moderately or severely cytotoxic activity during all the extraction times. Key words:Cytotoxicity, gingival fibroblast, MTT test, root canal sealer.

Composition and physicochemical properties of calcium silicate based sealers: A review article.

BackgroundRecently a new generation of endodontic sealers has been developed based on calcium silicate as MTA Fillapex, Endoseal MTA, Total Fill BC Sealer, EndoSequence BC Sealer, iRoot SP, Endo CPM sealer, MTA-Angelus and ProRoot Endo Sealer. A review of literature was conducted to discuss the composition, physicochemical properties, and clinical perspectives of calcium silicate based sealers.Material and MethodsA literature search was conducted in PubMed and web of knowledge databases with appropriate MeSh terms and keywords. A total of 71 studies were reviewed for data extraction. Results and ConclusionsCalcium silicate based sealers showed suitable physical properties to be used as an endodontic sealer. However, its high solubility remains an important issue. They show good performance regarding calcium ion release, film thickness, and fowability. More researches are required about features of calcium silicate based sealers before recommending them for clinical applications. Key words:Calcium silicate, root canal filling materials, composition, physical properties.